Australia delivered a commanding performance on the opening morning of the first Test in Perth, leaving India struggling at 51 for four by lunch. Mitchell Starc struck early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck in just the second over, with debutant Nathan McSweeney completing a sharp catch at gully. Josh Hazlewood compounded India's woes, removing Devdutt Padikkal—also for a duck—after the batter edged one to Alex Carey behind the stumps.
India’s woes were exacerbated by the absence of key players, including captain Rohit Sharma, who is on paternity leave, and the injured Shubman Gill. Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were also left out, with Washington Sundar included in a reshuffled lineup. In their stead, the Australian pacers thrived in seam-friendly conditions, keeping India under constant pressure throughout the morning.
KL Rahul, the only batter to show some resistance, managed 26 runs but endured a difficult session. His first boundary came off a lucky edge against Pat Cummins after an hour at the crease. The persistent Hazlewood struck again, claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli for just five runs with a delivery that rose sharply and was safely taken at first slip, prolonging the former captain's century drought, now stretching to 16 months.
Starc’s second breakthrough came via a successful review, sending Rahul back to the pavilion after the third umpire ruled a faint edge to Carey. India’s top order collapse left their middle order exposed, with Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel left to salvage the innings. The duo managed to survive until lunch, reaching 10 and four runs respectively.
Australia’s fiery bowling attack and precise fielding showcased their dominance in the opening session, rattling a depleted Indian side. With the pace spearheads in full flow and conditions favoring seam movement, the visitors face an uphill battle to claw their way back into the match.
